Port

Definition

The term "port" refers to a harbor where ships dock to load or unload goods or passengers. It can also mean a computer interface for connecting devices, the left side of a ship, or a fortified wine.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pɔrt/, /poʊrt/
• Respelling: PAWRT, POHRT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pɔːt/
• Respelling: PAWT

Etymology

The word "port" originates from the Latin "portus," meaning "harbor" or "gateway." It entered Old English via Old French "port," and its various meanings evolved over time to include harbors, left sides of ships, and computer interfaces.

Derivatives

• Portage (noun)
• Portable (adjective)
• Porter (noun)
• Portal (noun)
• Seaport (noun)

Synonyms

• Harbor
• Dock
• Marina

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The word "port" is widely used in maritime contexts, computing, and transportation. For example: "The ship docked at the port," or "Connect the cable to the USB port."

Related Terms

• Harbor: A place on the coast for anchoring ships.
• Starboard: The right side of a ship when facing forward.
• Interface: A point of connection between devices in computing.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A harbor or docking place for ships: Refers to a location for loading and unloading cargo or passengers.
  • Example: "The cargo ship arrived at the port early this morning."
• The left side of a ship: Refers to the side of a vessel when facing forward.
  • Example: "The lifeboats were stored on the port side."
• A computer interface: Refers to a physical or virtual point of connection for devices.
  • Example: "The laptop has a USB-C port for charging."
• A type of fortified wine: Refers to a sweet, fortified wine originating from Portugal.
  • Example: "He enjoyed a glass of port after dinner."

Verb

• To carry or transfer: Refers to moving something from one place or format to another.
  • Example: "The game was ported to multiple platforms."
• To turn or shift to the left (nautical): Refers to adjusting a ship or an aircraft to the left side.
  • Example: "The captain ordered the helmsman to port the rudder."